Research trends and emerging themes of magnetic resonance imaging in endometrial cancer: a bibliometric analysis.
Authors
Affiliations (3)
Affiliations (3)
- Department of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. [email protected].
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is a growing global health concern, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is central to its diagnosis, staging, and management. This study used a descriptive bibliometric approach to map the research landscape, identify emerging themes, and characterize global collaboration in MRI‑related endometrial cancer research over the past four decades. This study searched Web of Science Core Collection for English-language original articles on MRI in endometrial cancer published from 1984 to 2024. Using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometric.com, we described publication trends, main contributors, collaboration networks, and research hotspots. Only network- and frequency-based analyses were performed; no inferential statistics or causal analyses were done. A total of 1,165 publications by 6,067 authors from 3,676 institutions in 256 countries/regions were identified, showing sustained growth in research activity. China, Japan, and the USA were the most productive countries. Key journals included Radiology, European Radiology, and Gynecologic Oncology. Co-authorship and institutional analyses indicated extensive international cooperation, particularly among centers such as the University of Bergen and Kyoto University. Keyword co-occurrence and burst analyses identified four main thematic clusters: (1) diagnostic imaging and pathology, (2) multi-modality imaging and disease management, (3) clinical outcomes and therapeutic approaches, and (4) prognostic assessment and staging. Recent studies have increasingly focused on advanced imaging analytics, with emerging hotspots in "radiomics," "nomogram," and "risk assessment". MRI research in endometrial cancer has grown and become more diverse, with increasing international collaboration. New work on radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and prognostic models points toward more personalized imaging but is still mainly experimental. As a descriptive bibliometric study, this work does not judge the quality or clinical readiness of specific methods. Standardized MRI protocols, better access in low-resource settings, and prospective validation of radiomics and AI tools are needed to turn these trends into real benefits for patients.